From:	Schizi@***.com Schizi@***.com
Subject:	"Atmosphere" and "atmosphere" books
Date:	Sat, 21 Aug 1999 20:49:25 EDT

In a message dated 8/20/99 1:29:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time, JonSzeto@***.com
writes:

>
> What the hell exactly IS an "atmosphere" book?
>
> What is in such a book? What makes it different from a place book, gear
book,
>
> character book, or novel? Why would you buy it INSTEAD OF a place book,
gear
>
> book, character book, or novel?

I would say an atmosphere book (at least the ones that have been discussed
lately) are there to provide a more detailed setting for a group without the
time/inclination/ability to design one themselves. A glimpse into the
everyday life around the Shadowrunners.
What do runners see when they walk down the street?
Is there a Paper Nuyen?
If a troll walks down the street, what kind of reaction will he get? what
about the stores he shops in?

Place books provide the details of that place for someone that doens't know
it well, but a lot of times, tehy tend to turn it into "why would a runner be
here" instead of presenting an overall view (IMO, YMMV)
Rules in such books are fine, though I generally prefer them at the end
(stats also)

I want something that the players can go through and say "this would be a fun
place for my PCs to be" (A few of the PCs in Twists game are going to blow
off our current mission and go tot he mall to play Btech, is something wrong
witht hat? :-)